Clinton Herald Wednesday October 15, 1952 p. 12 posted with permission  Ancient City Hall May Lose Its ‘Decorative But Dangerous’ Attic  Clinton’s 60-year-old City Hall may be operated on to remove a sick third floor.  Mayor Don R. Allison remarked at last night’s city council session that “the northeast corner of the building is about ready to fall down into the alley.” He noted that if something isn’t done about the ‘fancy piece of gingerbread roof which has the “leaners” through decay and a faulty water run-off system, “we’ll be doing buisness in the street.”  The city head pointed out that the building, erected as a school in 1890 and occupied by the city since 1936, has a 500-person-capacity third floor auditorium which has seen duty in recent times only as a wintertime pistol range for the police department.  And now even the range is considered unsatisfactory, he added.  The mayor said an extensive study by city officials has indicated that the best course, rather than to try another repair job similar to the one performed several years ago, it to rip off the third floor and “decorative but dangerous” roof, with the present second floor ceiling to serve as the roof.  The price might be very reasonable, he indicated, because the considerable amound of lumber in the roof (“a carload or better”) has some salvage value.  And insurance rates would be less.   James F. Tallett, assistant city engineer advising the council during the current vacation of City Engineer Benton R. Anderson, agreed that the uppere story was little more than “a good chicken coop.”  Fire Chief Harlod Nelson seconded the motion.  He said the third floor is a fire trap where “something is likely to happen,” while the rest of the structure is good, with 12 to 16 inch walls.  The issue was turned over to the police and public grounds committee and the city engineer’s office for further study.

The Clinton Herald Tuesday November 19, 1935 p. 5 posted with permission  Public Stadium To Be Constructed in River Front Park.  $69,000 Project to Be Carried On With WPA Funds – Expect Work to Start Later Part of This Week – 70 Men to Be Given Jobs. 

Fulfilling a dream of many civic-minded Clintonians, a new public stadium and recreation area will be constructed at River Front park as a WPA project, funds for which were allocated today.

The total estimated cost of the project is $69,004, and funds totaling $19,510 are immediately available so that work probably will get under way the latter part of this week.  The stadium will be located near Sixth avenue, North, approximately at the same site as the present wooden bleachers and baseball field.

In connection with the stadium a large athletic area will be arranged so that baseball and football games, boxing matches and outdoor pageants and entertainments can be held.  It is estimated that the stadium will accommodate about 3,500 persons when completed.

Allocation of the necessary funds to erect this much-needed grandstand comes only after months of work on the part of local civic organizations and especially Peter Matzen, county relief administrator.  Mr. Matzen first conceived the idea of a stadium for this city and it was largely due to his efforts that a city’s dream soon will become a reality.

It also is understood that Congressman B.M. Jacobsen exerted his influence with those who put the stamp of approval on WPA jobs.

The grandstand will be constructed of reinforced concrete and will be complete with all appurtenances.  The inside dimensions of the stadium, or the face, will be 330 feet and the outside will measure 396 feet from end to end.  The grandstand will be 41 feet deep and there will be 18 rows of wooden seats.

Six entrances will be built to accommodate the crowds and avoid congestion.

The project calls for 750 man-months of labor which will mean the employment of about 70 men for a year, the time it is estimated will be needed for the completion of the job.

The federal government will provide $40,925 for labor.  Common laborers will receive $25,440 of this sum, and skilled laborers the remainder.  Materials for the recreation area will cost the government $25,425.  Equipment expense and other incidentals will bring the total expenditure to $69,004. 

This new project is sponsored locally by the Clinton park board.

Begun November 29, 1935

Completed May 1, 1937

The Clinton Herald Thursday April 11, 1935 p. 5 posted with permission Time again is demanding its price with the result that two more old landmarks of the city of Clinton are being razed.  Two old homes, the former C.C. Coan home on the corner of Seventh avenue, South and Fourth street, and the old W.J. Young, Sr., home on Seventh avenue, and First street, heve fallen victims to the crowbars of Antone Miller’s wrecking crew.  Both of these structures were erected back in the latter half of the last century and if they could tell their story before they become history they would probably relate interesting tales of the city’s early days.  Despite its extreme age the old Young home has been occupied until recently.  The old Coan home has been vacent more than 10 years. While mischievous youngsters have raised havoc with the windows and exterior of the former Coan residence, the splendor of a by-gone era of construction is revealed in the interior.  Nearly every room boasts a fireplace and there is an abundance of scroll work.  Unlike those found in the present day, the windows are the type which run from the floor to the ceiling.  But Clinton must march on and the old is forced to make way for the new.

Monday June 15, 1931 posted with permission  Howes Block To Get $7500 Elevator Unit  Installation Will Begin July 19; Old System In Use 31 Years.

Than a more expeditious service may be provided tenants and patrons of the building is advanced as the reason for a new elevator system to be installed in the Howes Block according to information obtained from E.N. Howes, owner of the building today.  The project when completed will cost approximately $7500, it was learned.

Installation is expected to begin not later than July 19 it was stated in a letter just issued to all tenants informing them of the improvement.  A.H. Morrell, Clinton architect, is completing plan drawings and will supervise the removal of the present system and istallation of the new unit.

Obtain Modern Layout

Mr. Howes and son L.M. Howes have spent several weeks in visiting numerous office structures in middle western cities observing elevatored systems and attempting to find one best suited to the needs of the Howes Block.  An Otis traction passenger elevator was finally settled upon, one that is lauded by building engineers as the most modern in design and offering the safety system of elevation yet developed.

The new unit Mr. Morrell explained will travel at the rate of 200 feet per minute.  It will have a capacity of 2,000 pounds.  Self closing doors will be arranged on each floor landing and every measure of safety has been regarded for occupants.  The car itself is finished in brilliant colors and the finest metal effects.

To Build Pent House

It will be necessary to excavate for a large clearance space in the basement preparatory to installation, it was learned.  Additional steel frame work will be built in, while a pent house, 10’x15’ must necessarily be constructed on the roof of the building to house the operating machinery.

A crew of men will be employed previous to the temporary closing of elevator service in order to have formative details completed.  This will eliminate undue delay and replace elevator service in the shortest time.  It is possible day and night shifts will be used on this job.

In Use 31 Years

The elevator now in use was installed with the opening of the Howes block in October 1900.  The original structure was at that time three stories, the fourth floor added in 1906.  Two tenants, Dr. Herbert Sugg and D.H. Shepard have occupied office space since the building opened.  Several other have rental receipts dating back to 15, 18 and 20 uninterrupted years.

There is at present more than 30 tenants in the building including three retail tenants on the main floor.

Commenting on the improvement Mr. Howes said, “while the old elevator has perhaps, seen its day of service, it has by no means proven unsatisfactory or hazzardous.  Because of so many professional persons housed in the building who attract great numbers of patrons, we decided to change to a more modern evevator system.

Other alterations may be made on the building during the summer months.

The Clinton Advertiser Tuesday January 27, 1920 p. 3

Clinton To Vote On Park Bonds

The voters of this city will decide on February 23, whether or not Clinton’s park system – now in its embryo – is to be developed during the coming years, to keep pace with the park systems in other growing cities of the Middle West, and to provide adequate public recreation grounds for the public of today and the coming generation. 

No other city, perhaps, is so favored by opportunity to work out a beautiful park system, as is Clinton today.  This is particularly true of her water front, where has already been constructed the nucleus of a future magnificent River Front park which will far exceed in beauty that of any other municipality along the great stream.

Thus the question which comes before the voters next month is highly important.  Is the city to take advantage of her opportunities, and make possible, and even certain, the development of her public park system.

S.D. Robb, a member of the park commission, briefly discussed the question today with an ADVERTISER representative.  Mr. Robb has served ten years on the park board, and has devoted much time and energy to the working out of many park problems.  To the reporter he stated that as yet nothing but general plans had been thought of in this future park development, and in discussing the proposition, he said he was talking merely as a citizen, and not expressing the official intentions of the board.

These general plans include first, a driveway up the river bank from Sixth avenue, through the present completed parks, and the outer edge of Joyce’s island; thence west about where Parket street terminates.

A driveway is discussed north from the vicinity of the Lyons bridge to Sixth avenue in Lyons, over to Fourth street, and south to Main.

Mr. Robb believes a very useful institution, a general civic center, may be worked out, in general park plans, in the large tract of property along the river front between the completed park, which extends to First avenue, and the vicinity of the gas works.  This track of park ground contains four full city blocks.

He said he would like to see this tract devoted to civic purposes, a pavilion erected, rest rooms, and lavatories provided for the home people and visitors in the city.  Here meetings and gatherings of a civic nature might be held, and a place furnished for circuses to erect their tents.  In many ways, according to Mr. Robb, this could be made self-sustaining.  He thinks an enclosed athletic field might be arranged for, which would add to the revenues.  This proposition, it is understood, is being given careful consideration by the board.

This stretch of ground still requires a considerable amount of filling and rip-rapping must be installed north of First Avenue, to which point the present park and retaining wall extends.

Lagoons might easily be constructed Mr. Robb says in the proposed new park extension north of First avenue, and a most attractive general park plan worked out without great expense.

Little filling will be required north of Elm street.

The entire river front from Sixth avenue north to Park street, in Lyons, now is city park property, affording a splendid opportunity for the development of this attractive system.  The same is true of Joyce’s island, which may be most advantageously devoted to park purposes.

Mr. Robb expressed the desire to see established a number of small parks or public “breathing places” throughout the city.  One of these should be established in Chancy, he said, one in the Fourth ward, another in the west end of the city, and one pr two in Lyons, and in other parts of the municipality.  His idea is to give all the people an opportunity to enjoy a little fresh air and sunshine in a public park, without forcing them to take long walks or rides to the recreation grounds.

Eventually, Mr. Robb said, Clinton’s boulevard system will be worked out.  Just now there are no general plans for this branch of the work although a loop around the river front and the bluffs at the west side of Clinton is favored by many.

The new Iowa park law gives the park board, upon ratification by the electors of a municipality, to levy a tax not to exceed five mills in any one year, for park extension and improvement.

In Mr. Robb’s opinion, should the people vote in favor of this levy, it would not be necessary to levy more than two mills, and possibly not more than one mill or even a half mill during the first ten years for park improvement.  Afterwards, as the bonds become due, in perhaps 15 years, this levy would be increased for the purpose of retiring the bonds.  The people of the future generations thus under this system, would largely aid in paying for the park improvements which will be inaugurated immediately, and which we as well as they will enjoy.

The Clinton Advertiser Tuesday February 24, 1920 

PARK BONDS ARE BEATEN BY MAJORITY OF 40 VOTES

Clinton’s proposed park extension plan was defeated at the polls yesterday by a slender margin.  Returns to the ADVERTISER office last night indicated that eh majority against park bonds was 40 votes, with nearly 2,800 Clinton men and women voting. 

The women voted two to one in favor of the bonds.  The men rolled up a majority of 274 agsinst the proposition.

The table here appended shows just how every precinct in the city voted on the park question.

The Clinton Herald Wednesday August 1, 1917 p. 8 posted with permission  Clinton is quietly celebrating its 62^nd birthday today.  About the only man left to have a party is W.B. Peck, 78 years old, who directed the attention of a Clinton Herald reporter to the impartant date in history, this morning, and recalled with great interest the pioneer days of the city.  “Why there weren’t as many people in the whole state of Iowa then as there are in Clinton now,” Mr. Peck said with pride, as he reviewed the day 62 years ago when he helped lay the cornerstone of the Iowa Central house, the first building to be erected in Clinton, on the site where the Coliseum now stands.  “Were there no houses here at all, and how near was the first farm house?” was asked.  “Oh yes, a little log house where Lillian Russell was born stood here and there, but they were far apart,” he answered as he related little stories of the pioneer days when Clinton was started before Iowa was a state.

Committee Sees Mr  Moeszinger The Clinton Herald Friday July 3 1914 p 1 posted with permission

The question of who will be Clinton’s next mayor to succed the late William B. Farver, whose funeral was held Friday afternoon, appears to be more muddled than ever today.  Friends of Councilman George Tucker are claiming that he is assured five votes, enough to elect him, when the city council meets next Tuesday evening, at which time the successor to Mayor Farver will probably be named.

It is reported that a committee of three councilmen called on L.C. Moeszinger and informed him that he could secure the appointment if he would accept.  Mr. Moeszinger however, if is understood informed the committee that owing to numerous other duties and business connections, he could not accept and do justice to all of his interests.

Another committee, it is reported waited on ex-Mayor E.M. Howes, asking him whether or not he would accept if named.  Prior to the municipal primary this year, Mr. Howes issued a statement in which he said that owing to a prospective busy year or two in his private business interests he could not be a candidate for nomination for re-election.  It is understood, however, that his business affairs have so shaped themselves that he would be able to accept the appointment.

The council, it is said, is opposed to calling an advisory election by the people, the only arguement in its favor being that the council might appoint some one who could not be elected by a vote of the people.  Some of the councilmen claim that if the name of any man, whom they believe could not secure the support of the citizens is proposed with a chance for the appointment, they will demand an advisory election.

New Residences Being Built The Clinton Herald Tuesday June 23 1914 p 5 posted with permission

That Clinton is experiencing a steady growth is demonstrated best of all by the continuous erection of new dwellings for business and professional men, all homes of the newest and most desirable types of architecture, calculated to definitely increase the value of residence property in the portion of the city in which they may be located.

Among the brand new residences in the west portion of the city are those for E.A. Thomas, M. McMulln, H.C. Moffett, L.P. Saenger, M.H. Thielen, Milo Gabriel and A.H. Kersting.  Thomas Crawford is having erected a red brick residence next west of the Dr. White home, and Dr. Fairchild has had the Thomas residence remodeled to suit his needs.  Aurelius Root is having the old Ellis property in Sixth avenue practically rebuilt.

K.D. Slocum had erected two cottages for rental purposes and proposes two similar ones in the future, those on Park Place, corner Ash street.  E.C.H. Moeszinger is having built a frame house, 28x32, modern plumbing and heating and hard wood finish at the corner of Exchange and Fifth street.

L.P. Saenger is his own architect for the attractive home of white stucco, nearing completion in Fifth avenue nearly to the Bluff road.  Other details learned concerning homes are indicative of the trend of the building activities.

The A.H. Kersting residence is 60x34, three stories and basement, and to be veneered brick and stucco.  All hardwood finish with tile floors will complete this residence.  The Milo Gabriel home is to be stucco, 35x32, finish in hard wood with modern plumbing and heating.  The residence planned for M.H. Thielen will be of brick veneer and stucco and timber work.  Clare LeProvost is having a frame dwelling 26x30 with hard wood finish and modern heating and plumbing.

John Morrell & Sons are architects for Clinton Realty company’s block in Second street south of Fifth avenue, actual work now on preparing the site and for the Clinton Coliseum building nearing completion.

John D. Van Allen & Son plan to move into their new block beginning about the middle of July.  As soon as the Van Allen stock is out of the Howes building, the work of remodeling the first and second floors to suit tenants will be begun.

Other remodeling work in business enterprises includes the rebuilding of one of the Wilson buildings in Fifth avenue and the addition to the Iten factory.  All the above work is being done through plans made principally in the offices of John Morrell & Sons, Ladefhoff or Work architects, or through plans made by owners themselves and worked out through the various contractors of the city.

Other homes being built are for Peter Golden in Third street, S.C. Hoyne in Summit avenue, Mrs. Peter Murphy, Tenth avenue and Fifth street, L. Petersen, Hickory street, Philip Holm, First avenue and Jurgen Franzen, Hickory street.  A new store is being built for A.G. Claussen, the builders having these improvements in hand including John Logan, Jens Peterson and Ed Krieger.

Work in which the entire city is interested in the finishing of the Franklin school and isolation hospital, both to be completed before the end of the summer.

The Clinton Herald Wednesday August 12, 1914 p. 10 posted with permission  In a quiet way Clinton is now experiencing an unusual building acitivity and many are fine new homes being erected and important improvements being made on those already constructed.  The building is not confined to any certain locality or localities but the whole city is being dotted with beautiful new bungalows, cottages and other homes.

Among the new homes in progress of erection or recently completed are the following: Gus Brumer, corner of Sixth street and Fourth avenue; C.D. Nicholsen at 222 Grand avenue; Ed Lingard, at 315 Parker street; King Slosum, two at 702 and 704 Park place and one on Ash street; David Ziegenfus, 1215 Ringwood place; Nissen Work, jr., at 334 Hickory street; Lulius Lorenzen at 415 DeWitt street; Philip Holm two on First avenue; Charley Hansen at Fayette street and First avenue; W.W. Leslie, two west of Ninth street; L.P. Saenger at 1000 Fifth avenue; M.H. Thielen at Sixth avenue and Argyle Court; Dr. H.C.  Moffett at 518 Argyle Court; John  Petersen in Mariposa Park; A.H. Kersting at 802 Fifth avenue; Milo Gabriel at 806 Fifth avenue; Claude Ramsey at 817 Fourth avenue; Geo. Wright at 809 South Eighth street; John Ash at 717 South Sixth street: Mrs. Peter Murphy in Fifth street south of Tenth avenue; Claus Graves at 914 Olney avenue; Chris Whalen at 825 Stockholm avenue.  Other new homes are located at 889 Summit avenue, 338 Hickory street, and also two in Summit between Eighth and Ninth streets.

Old houses that have been moved and remodeled are by the following; Ed Lorenzen at 226 Hickory street; Jens Peterson, four houses at First avenue and Sixth Street.  Various other homes are being remodeled and improved as follows: Lawrence Petersen at 334 Hiskory street; R.E. Walters at 925 Summit street; Bert Gundelfinger and Oliver Haring, two in Seventh street between Second and Third avenue; August Schnell at 915 North Second street; H.B. Grossman at 306 North Fifth street.

False Front of Van Allen Building Down The Clinton Herald Friday May 15 1914 p 8

Van Allen Store On Old Corner The Clinton Herald July 30 1914 p 5 posted with permission

J.D. Van Allen & Son and their clerks are home again – back on the old corner, northwest corner of Fifth avenue and Second street, where the firm was long in business.  There were greeting old friends and patrons, however, in a brand new building, the most modern structure of its kind in the city.

Removal of the stock from temporary quarters in the Howes block, occupied while the new building was under construction, was completed through night work Wednesday.  In fact the removal process has been under way for days and days and nights and nights.  Not all of the fixtures have been transferred, but they will be in the course of a few days.

Everything in the new store is in as ship-shape as possible, enough so that it is possible to transact business, but the formal opening will not take place until later when everything has been put in its place and the store is in the spick and span condition that it is the intention to maintain.

Many old friends called Thursday to admire the handsome new home of the dry goods firm.  The erection of the modern four story building has been under way for fifteen months, ground being broken in May, 1913.  For months prior to that, however, the work of dismantling the old building had been in progress.  Unseasonable weather conditions greatly delayed the work but the firm now has a building of which it is justifiably proud.

It is of steel construction, entirely fire-proof, with the latest pattern elevators.  The fixtures are Clinton made.  In fact so far as possible the building throughout is a “Made in Clinton” structure.  Owing to the fact that the steel is heavier than usual in building, on account of the large store-rooms on each floor without interviening walls, the construction was necessarily slow.  One one life was lost in its erection, and unusual record.

Even before the firm had removed from its quarters in the Howes block, the remodeling of that building was under way.  The basement, first and second floors are to be entirely remodeled.  There will be store-rooms in the basement and on the first floor and office suites and quarters for a business college on the second floor.

Owing to the illness of ex-Mayor E.M. Howes, it was impossible to secure definite plans for the work.  The basement, however, will afford quarters for a barber shop, pool room and other similar enterprises.  On the first floor will be quarters for a cigar store to be operated by Walter Ray and Frank E. Lee, a restaurant and other stores.

Opened to the public August 26, 1914

The Clinton Daily Herald Annual Edition December 19, 1908 p. 32 posted with permission 

The most extensive improvement made in the city the past year is the building of the new St. Boniface church, which occupies a prominent position at the corner of Seventh and Pearl streets.  Ground was broken for this structure on March 18, 1908, Rev. Joseph Tritz, the pastor turning the first shovelful of earth.  The cornerstone was laid July 5^th in the presence of a multitude of people.  In the cornerstone are copies of the Herald, Advertiser, Anzeiger, Catholic Tribune, Dubuque German Catholic paper,  Davenport Catholic Messenger, history of St. Boniface parish list, signed by sisters and children of the parish, names of members, building committee, Contractor Zwack, Architect Herr; a bronze medal blessed for the event, a stone from the catacombs at Rome, medals and coins given by the people and the names of President Roosevelt and Mayor Crockett.  The stone bears on the east front the words “Ecclesia St. Boniface, 1908.” And on its south face a cross, the emblem of Christianity.  The church measures 115 feet in length by 56 feet in width and is furnished with seven spires each 124 feet in height.  The edifice is built of red pressed brick according to Gothic designs, which were planned by Rev. Tritz himself, the details being carried out by Architect Herr and Contractor Zwack.  The seating capacity is upwards of 500 persons.  The church is lighted by more than 100 incandescent lights.  The inside of the building consists of a main nave and two side naves, separated by stately columns; the sanctuary is 24 by 24 feet with a sacristy at each side connecting with a winter chapel 16 by 24 feet, which extends along the rear of the edifice.  Pillars artistically finished, supported the arched ceiling.  The choir is over the east entrance; two entrances lead into the vestibule at the north end of which is a beautiful grotto of St. Lourdes.  The bells consist of a Westminster peal, four bells, the largest, 2,600 ponds, being in E flat, the second, 1,500 pounds, in B flat, and the third, 750 pounds, in A flat and the smallest, 550 pounds in D flat.  The first bell was the gift of the parish at large, the second that of Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich Holdgrafer, the third was donated by Mrs. Mary Holdgrafer, and the fourth by the pastor, Rev. Father Tritz.  The largest is dedicated to St. Boniface, the second to St. Joseph, the third to St. Mary, and the fourth to St. Donatus.  The exterior of the building is trimmed in Bedford stone; the main building and the towers are roofed in slate.  A part basement has been supplied with heating apparatus.

The Clinton Daily Herald May 28, 1906 p. 8 posted with permission New Building on Fifth Avenue

Fred Steiner will erect a brick building on his lots at No. 124 Fifth avenue, which building has already been leased for a term of years by J.H. Parker and Co., of Rockford, who will open a first class vaudeville therater in the new building, which is to be devoted exclusively to that business.  Work on the building will commence in less than three weeks, and it is expected that the structure will be completed by the middle of August. 

The theater building will be built of Clinton white brick with a white block front, and will cost in the neighborhood of $10,000.  It will be a handsome and permanent building, fire proof throughout, and will have an asbestos curtain, and modern and up to date equipment throughout.

It will be opened during the coming summer by the Rockford company, and Clinton people will be assured of some of the best vaudeville entertainment to be secured when the new theater is opened.  The work of preparing the ground will be commenced at once, a wooden buildng which now occupies the site of the new theater will be moved away, and early in the month of June the creation of the building will be commenced.

The Clinton Herald  posted with permission Saturday February 3, 1906 p. 5  February 10, 1906 p. 5  In the dissolution of the firm of Howes Bros., the public will rejoice in the fact that their big stock of high grade Jewelry, Watches, Diamonds and Cut Glass, will be placed on sale.  This is found necessary in order to reduce it and to make several improvements which will be inagurated by the new firm and announced later.  This sale will start off with a big 9-Days’ Package Sale, which will begin February 15^th and last nine days.  Packages will be sold for 50 cents.  In addition to the 50 cent articles the packages will contain many Grand Prizes Among which will be te following: Diamond rings ....$10.00 to $50.00 Gold watches ....$8.50 to $25.00  Cut glass....$1.00 to $10.00  Solid Silver....75 cents to $5.00  These grand prizes will be on exhibition in our north window.  Do not fail to look them over.  They will all be sold at 50 cents each.  Everything sold at this sale will be guaranteed and no package will be offered which is not worth at least 50 cents.  HOWES BROS.,  Clinton’s Leading Jewelers.

The Clinton Herald December 22, 1905 p. 6 posted with permission

COMMITTEE MEETS

BUILDING COMMITTEE OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SELECT ARCHITECT

A meeting of the building committee of the Presbyterian church was held last evening and plans for the new church discussed.  The church members and the committee have a number of ideas to be worked into the plans of the church.  John Morrell & Son were selected as architects and the company is now working on plans for the new church.

The Clinton Daily Herald Wednesday May 16, 1906 p. 6 posted with permission

CORNER STONE LAID FOR NEW CHURCH

Presbyterians Meet for Impressive Ceremony Yesterday. – Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Foulkes.

At fifteen minutes before 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon the corner stone of the new Lyons Presbyterian church to be built at the corner of Seventh and Exchange streets, was laid with impressive ceremonies.  Following the invocation, the pastor, the Rev. D.W. McMillan gave a brief history of the life of the church organization which more than half a century ago had begun.

There were but twelve persons listed as charter members, W. Godley, Susan Godley, Philip T. Roe, Anna M. Roe, Allen Slack, Mrs. Anna Gaylord, Mrs. Ellen E. Jerome, Anna Hulbert, Amanda Hulburt, Margaret Hulburt and Charles S. Hulburt.

In the half century past there have been thirteen ministers to this congregation, who have officiated in the three church home, the second home, the edifice wrecked to make room for the modern structure to be completed this year.

The corner stone contained many publications and souvenirs of the past years in the old church, the pastor sealing the bed in its bed of mortar.  In addition to the Clinton and Lyons pastors who were present at the ceremony were the Rev. Mr. Mitchell of DeWitt and the Rev. Dr. McClelland of Pittsburg, Pa.

Mr. Foulkes of the First Presbyterian church delivered the address of the occasion alluding to the significance of its being laid at the time of the beginning of the 16^th session of the General Assembly of Presbyterian churches.

The Clinton Daily Herald Vol. 33 No. 95 Wednesday December 20, 1899 p. 5 posted with permission  Congressman Lacey has prepared a bill curing the defects in the Iowa law relative to United States jurisdiction which prevented the government from going ahead with the public buildings in this and other cities, and it will be introduced in the senate by Senator Blanchard of Oskaloosa, when the legislature meets.  The cities interested are Clinton, Oskaloosa and Creston.  The bill will undoubtedly be passed without delay and the new law ought to be in force within thirty days.  There will then be nothing in the way of going ahead and selecting a site so that contracts can be let at once.  In that event the superstructure of the government building will be completed next season.  The selection of a site will attract much attention.

The Clinton Daily Herald Vol. 33 No. 128  Saturday January 27, 1900 p. 8  ASKS FOR BIDS  Treasury Department Wants Site for Clinton Building  The Herald this morning received from the secretary of the treasury an order to publish a call for propositions to sell a site to the government for the new postoffice building, which will be in Monday’s daily.  The terms of the proposition are that the site, if on a corner, must approximate 144 by 160 feet, or if not on a corner, then it must have 200 feet frontage and a depth of 144 feet.  It is also provided that the site shall be centrally located.  The bids must be in by February 27, and when the site is accepted all the buildings must be removed within thirty days after written notice is served.  The prompt action on the part of the department indicates that the work on the building will begin and pushed without delay.

The Clinton Daily Herald Vol. 35 No. 285 Friday August 1, 1902 p. 3 THE NEW POSTOFFICE  The Clinton Government Building is Nearing Completion  Building Will be Ready for Occupancy by October 1 – Will be Handsomely Equipped and a Credit to the City – Something of its Internal Arrangement  Work on the new Clinton government building on Fifth avenue is now nearing completion.  A few days ago the fence that has been surrounding the building was torn down and one is able to get an unobstructed view of the structure.  A wall has been constructed on a line with the north side of the building to the western limit of the lot.  It is about four feet high.  A similar wall extends to the alley on the east side.  The lot in front of the building on the east and north sides has been leveled and crushed rock is being placed on it.  On this, crushed granite cement will be placed.  This will form a very durable walk and will extend from the building to the street.  The main entrance will open on Fifth avenue.  Another entrance will open from Third street, while there will be a door in the rear of the building for the use of employees.  At the sides of each entrance bronze lampposts have been placed through which gas pipes have been run.  The main corridor running along nearly the entire front of the building, will be the most finely decorated part of the structure.  Marble wainscoting will extend from the floor to the ceiling and some of it is already in place.  This will be put up as soon as possible.  The marble is polished before being hung in place, and is supported by large hooks.  The base will be darker than the other.  The walls will be very beautiful when finished.  The ceiling of the lobby is now nearly completed.  It is entirely covered with plaster casts.  These are made in the building by an expert molder.  The process as followed in this building is interesting.  First a model of clay is made very carefully.  After this is dry gelatine is poured into this mold and allowed to cool and harden.  When this has hardened it is very pliable and easily removed.  It can be bent into any shape and will upon being released resume its original shape.  Into this mold plaster of paris is run and allowed to harden.  When this is hardened the gelatine mold is pealed off and the cast is ready to place in position.  A large number of molds are being used in the decorating of the building, various styles of rosettes being among the decorations.  This work is very particular, as the variation of a sixteenth of an inch in a panel twelve feet long would be detected.  Everything is measured with a steel rule and must exactly coincide with the plan.  In the work room no such elaborate decorating will be done and the finishings will be plain.  The ceilings will be practically plain with few decorations, while wood will replace the marble in the wainscoting.  The chief decorator reminded a Herald reporter this morning that his work will be finished in two weeks, after which all the gelatine casts will be re-cooked and made into different shaped molds for other buildings.  There are saved though until the casts have been accepted at the inspection.  The chief decorator remarked this morning that although he had had charge of the decorating of a large number of buildings, including several court houses, the State University building at Iowa City and four other postoffice buildings, this work at Clinton is the finest of them all.  It is more exact and the patterns are much more difficult.  The safes are now being put in place.  One will be placed in each office.  A large one will be placed in the southwest corner of the building in the money order room.  This room will be divided into two rooms, one for the public and one for the use of employees, where the work of the department will be carried on.  The public room will be nicely finished, much better than the work room.  In the center of the building the main office will be located.  The general delivery window will be near the east end of the room and will open into the lobby.  The boxes will be to the west of the window.  There will be a large number in use and they will be more up to date than the ones now in use in the post office.  For everything in the new building will be of the latest pattern and will be the most convenient that is in use.  The postmaster’s office will be in the northwest corner of the building.  Small rooms are being built between the walls of the structure, which will be used by the inspectors in case they wish to watch an employee under suspicion.  A dark passage leads from the basement between the walls to the room, which overlook the entire postoffice.  Here an inspector can sit and look through small holes in a radiator down into the workroom and observe the actions of any suspected employee unobserved.  Three such rooms will be built in the new post office.  Before the building will be opened after it is finished a general inspector will be sent by the government to see if the building is constructed according to the plans and specifications.  The inspection will be a severe one.  It is not expected the new structure will be ready to open for business before the first of October.

The Clinton Daily Herald Thursday November 20, 1902 p. 3   A MODEL STRUCTURE  That is What Clinton’s New Government Building Is.  Postmaster Gardner and His Corps of Workers will Move into Their New Quarters December 1 – Something of Interest Concerning the Handsome New Structure.  Clinton’s new government building is about completed.  For eighteen months work has been progressing on the handsome structure which grew into form and shape under the skillful hands of the force of artisans employed, until today it stands to all appearances complete, and about as handsome a specimen of Colonial architecture as one would wish to see.  Indeed Clinton people may well point with pride to their post office at the corner of Fifth avenue and Third street, in the very heart of the city proper and on one of her most aristocratic thoroughfares.  The structure is built of Bedford stone upon a foundation of granite surrounded by a wide pavement of stone and enclosed with a handsome fence of Bedford rock surmounted with an iron railing, the whole fashioned after a most elaborate design, with pillars at the gateways.  At the rear is a wide brick driveway and in the yard are handsome courts.  There are three entrances to the building, proper, and one to the basement.  Two of these open into the main lobby, and the other into the mailing room.  The front and side entrances consist of great revolving doors built after a modern pattern, models of convenience and adaptability, being so built as to serve the purpose of storm doors by a change in the adjustment.  The main or public lobby extends across the front of the building, to the postmaster’s private room, partitioned off on its west end.  The floor of the lobby in Mosaic with a marble border; and the walls are of natural white plaster, with green marble pilasters and wainscoting.  In this room, as throughout modern furniture and devices necessary for this particular branch of the work.   A stairway leading to the storage room in the attic opens from the mailing apartment.  The “lookout” room is located in the attic, reached either from the store room or over a stairway leading from the basement.  Here a view of the entire workroom is obtained, the aperture being so screened that the observer is not observed – the inspector gaining access to the room secretly if he so desires, and watching the work going on beneath.  At the rear of the mailing room is a glass marquise awning over the mail room platform.  An iron stairway leads from the work room to the carriers’ apartment in the basement.  Here are chairs and tables for the convenience and comfort of the force of carriers, also lockers for their clothes and toilet rooms close by.  In the basement is the steam heater, occupying a large apartment, fuel rooms, and a bicycle room, fitted with a rack for wheels.  The principal apartments of the structure, summed up, are as follows:  Public lobby.  Money order room and lobby.  Workroom.  Postmaster’s room.  Assistant postmaster’s room.  Mailing room.  Two storage rooms.  Carriers’ room.  Toilet rooms.  Boiler room.  Fuel room.  Bicycle room.  The building is heated throughout with steam, and is lighted with electricity and gas.  M. Yeager & Sons of Danville, Ill., were in charge of the construction of the building, upon which the sum of $100,000 has been expended.  The painters and decorators have almost completed their work, and within a few days the building will be complete and the furniture put in   (article complete with a drawing of the building and elevation of the main floor  James Knox Taylor Supervising Architect).

The Clinton Daily Herald Saturday November 29, 1902 p. 5  The new postoffice will be opened Sunday morning.  After work hours this evening, Postmaster Gardner and his forces of assistants will transfer their quarters to the handsome new government building which for the past eighteen months has been in course of construction at the corner of Fifth avenue and Third street, and on Sunday morning the mail will be taken to the new office, and distributed from there in the future.  The new postoffice is one of the finest equipped of similar buildings in the state of Iowa.

The Clinton Herald Saturday December 20, 1902 p. 1  The City of Clinton and Its Many Advantages and Opportunities. (article complete with a drawing of the building and elevation of the main floor  James Knox Taylor Supervising Architect).

The Clinton Herald Monday June 11, 1934 p. 5 

The Clinton Herald Friday March 29, 1935 p. 16  P.O. Project Work Nearing Half Way Mark  Contractor Redding Takes Advantage of Favorable Weather  Intervals of favorable weather conditions during the past several weeks have enabled Contractor John R. Redding to accelerate work on the new addition at the local postoffice with the result that at the present time the project is 40 per cent complete.  All the granite for the job is in place on the east and south walls and word has been received that the stone was shipped from Bedford, Ind., March 25.  This stone will be used above the granite on the east and a section of the south walls.  Face brick work on the south and west walls has also been completed.  Work has been completed on the walls and roof of the loading platform and mailing vestibule.  All mechanical work including the plumbing and electrical work is complete pending further progress on the masonry work.  If the present rate of progress is maintained, plastering work will probably be started May 1, Henry S. Hines, construction engineer, revealed today.  Hines also explains that the contractor has been maintaining the schedule as laid out for progress during the winter months.  Indications at the present time are that the job will be finished at least 10 weeks ahead of schedule.  Ruling that the rounded curbs flanking the sidewalks to the north of the postoffice were in a weakened condition, Engineer Hines ordered their removal and this work has been completed.

If present plans materialize the postoffice building is slated for a bath.  Feeling that the grimy exterior of the main building would be an incongruous contrast to the beautiful new addition being erected, Construction Engineer Henry S. Hines has formulated a plan for the cleaning of the building and it has been given tentative approval.  The bath would be given by means of a special steam vapor method.

Life Ends At 32 for Doors At Postoffice

Instead of life beginning at 40, life will end at 32 for the revolving doors at the Clinton postoffice.  Since 1903 these doors have moved tirelessly ‘round and ‘round, but it has been decided they have outgrown their usefulness and must make way for modern progress.  Present plans call for the installation of modern vestibule entrance type doors with glass panels and quarter-sawed

The Clinton Herald Friday April 26, 1935 p. 3  Contractor John R. Redding is undoubtedly a believer in that old saying urging that work be done while the sun shines, for under his supervision rapid progress is being made these days in the construction of the addition to the local post office.  The contractor is maintaining a construction schedule considerably in advance of the original one and at the present time the job is over 50 per cent complete.  All the stone work on the addition has been completed with the exception of setting the coping and the pointing up of all the open joints between the courses.  A special weather proofing material is being used in the latter work.  According to Construction Engineer, Henry S. Hines, the next move calls for the finishing of setting steel joists, placing of the metal lathe and pouring concrete for the roof slabs.  This work is scheduled to be carried out within the next few days.  Tile partitions are in place in the basement and are ready for plastering when the roof is completed.  Tile also is on hand for the lining of the interior of the work room.  It is estimated that plastering work should be finished by the end of May and interior wood work started.  As soon as the roof of the additon is in place and plastering work started, rearrangement and remodeling of the old building will be launched.  This will necessitate a number of changes in the handling of the mail, but will result in no inconvenience to the public.  Official word has been received by Mr. Hines announcing that competitive bids for the cleaning of the exterior of the old building probably will be called for in the near future.  Present plans call for the use of a vapor-bath system in effacing the dirt and grime of years from the outside walls.  Construction Engineer Hines is dividing his attention among three projects, the local job, a new post-office in Fulton, Ill., and a new one in Morrison, Ill.  S. Warmoth, who was assigned to the Illnois jobs in the capacity of construction engineer, was injured in a fall last week, which necessitated the taking over of his work by Mr. Hines.

The Clinton Herald Monday November 18, 1935 p. 18.  Work of removing the dirt and grime from the exterior of the main section of the Clinton postoffice has been completed and it now matches the “new” appearance of the recently constructed addition.  Steam under pressure and soda were used in the cleaning process and rapid progress was made in the job.  Window sills and other exterior equipment will be repainted.  The new vestibule doors at both the Fifth avenue and Third street entrances have been installed and the marble floor repaired.

The Clinton Daily Herald Friday July 1, 1898 p. 5 posted with permission 

Work Commenced New Episcopal Church will soon be a Reality

Interior of the Building Now Being Striped – Work of Tearing Down Old Building Will be Commenced Tuesday Rev. Morrill Will Take a Vacation

It will not be long until Clinton willpossess a beautiful new church and one that will be a credit to the pastor and members of St. John’s Episcopal church, but to the citizens of Clinton as well. 

Work has really been commenced on the new building as the interior is being striped of seats, gas fixtures, organ, etc.   Tuesday the work of tearing down the main structure will be begun and the construction of the building will then be rushed until completed.

Next Sunday Rev. Morrill will occupy the pulpit of Grace Episcopal church in Lyons and in a few days after will go on a vacation of several weeks’ duration.  He will spend most of his time in the east, enjoying a well earned rest.

A cut of the new church will be when completed is herewith printed.  It will be seen that the edifice will be a beautiful one and an honor to our city.

The Clinton Daily Herald Thursday July 7, 1898 p. 5 posted with permission 

A Bit of History

Interesting Facts Connected With Old Episcopal Church

Was Built Thirty-six Years Ago

Sput. Waiden the Architect

Rev. Watson Preached the First Serman in the Church Building Now Being Torn Down

As the Episcopal church is being torn down there is daily coming to light some interesting history concerning its construction.

It was built thirty-six years ago.  Supt. Walden, of the Northwestern, was the architect and designer of the building.  The carpentry work was don by the late Peter Barr.

Mr. Flournoy, deceased, one of Clinton’s earliest settlers, was the prime mover in the building of the church.  At the time the church was built, the population of Clinton was small and it is said those at the head of the project worked hard to secure means to erect the building, but by hard and faithful work finally succeeded.

It is saiid that when the corner stone was laid, with the usual ceremonies, that records, papers and different articles weree placed thererin and a citizen of Clinton who was present on this occasion, told a HERALD reporter that he thought a copy of The Clinton Herald, which was a weekly paper then, would be found when the building was torn down.  This will be accomplished in a few days, as the roof is already off and the sides are being torn down.  However, it will probably be two weeks before the fundation is reached.  Work on the new building will then be commenced and will be pushed rapidly until the new structure is completed.

Rev. Watson, of Iowa City, who was a minister in Lyons at the time the edifice was built, preached the first sermon in the then new building.

The Clinton Daily Herald Thursday July 28, 1898 p. 5 posted with permission  Work on the new church is progressing nicely, the foundation being partly laid.  Tomorrow the force of men which has been working on the foundation of the Ware residence will be transferred to the church and much more progress will be made on the latter building.  It is the intention now to have the laying of the cornerstone about Aug. 15.  This event will be duly observed by appropriate exercised.  Five of the stone cutters working on this building are from Chicago.  It was impossible for Contractor Lake to secure enough men here for this work, consequently sent to Chicago for them.  This speaks well for Clinton labor as far as employment is concerned.

The ground where the new church is being built will be filled in four feet, thus bringing the building seven feet higher than the present level of the lot.

The Clinton Daily Herald Friday July 29, 1898 p. 5 posted with permission

Articles of incorporation of St. John’s Episcopal church, of Clinton, have been filed at the office of the county recorder.

The affairs of our corporation are to be conducted by a board of nine directors, with the following acting for the first year: C.B. Obert, J.S. Lowell, E.H. Thayer, L.B. Wadleigh, F.S. Roberts, J.D. Lamb, J.H. Ingwersen, J.Q. Jefferies and I.P. Brewer.

The officers will consist of a president, secretary, and treasurer, to be elected annually by the board of directors.  Until the next election the following will act in this capacity: L.B. Wadleigh, president; I.P. Brewer, secretary; J.Q. Jefferies, treasurer.  The vestrymen will be elected on Easter Monday of each year, and will constitute the board of directors.

Lay Corner Stone

Important Exercises Relative to New Episcopal Church

Exercises Will be Held at 4:40 Tomorrow Afternoon Conducted by Masonic Order Dr. Thomas E. Green Cedar Rapids, Orator

At 4:40 o’clock tomorrow afternoon will occur the laying of the corner stone of the new Episcopal church.  The exercises will be in charge of the members of the Masonic bodies of this city who were especially appointed by the grand master of Masons in Iowa to perform the ceremony.

W.S. Gardner, past senior grand warden and past deputy grand master and a permanent member of the grand lodge of Iowa, will act for the grand master.  The other officers of the grand lodge will be represented by members of Lyons lodge, No. 93, Western Star lodge, No. 100 and Emulation lodge No 255.

At 3 o’clock the meers of the order will assemble at the Masonic hall and will march to the church lot where the exercises will be conducted, commencing promptly at 4:30.

The program opens with a selection by rof. McArthur’s make quarter.  This will be followed by the Masonic exercises, after which Dr. Thomas E. Green, a member of the order, will deliver the oration.  Dr. Green is rector of Grace Episcopal church at Cedar Rapids, Ia.

In a receptacle in the corner stone will be placed a small lead box in which will be deposited a Bible, prayer book, hymnal, list of members of the church, key to the old church and copies of the Age and The Herald.

Rev. H.H. Morrill, pastor of the church, extends a cordial invitation to the clergy of the city, regardless of denomination, to attend these exercises.  The public is also invited.

The Clinton Daily Herald Thursday March 17, 1892 posted with permission This bring the second anniversary of the dedication of the new Catholic parish and church in North Clinton to St. Patrick, it will be observed as a solemn festive day by the parishioners.  At 9 a.m. there will be a solemn high mass in the church at which many priests from a distance will take part.  AT 2:30 p.m. a branch of the A.O.H. will be formed in the Temperance hall on Elm street by County Delegate Burke of this city, and in the evening there will be two lectures in the church at 7:30.  The first a panegyric on St. Patrick in the Irish language by Father Walsh of Kiethsburg, Ill.  It will be remarkable alike for its being in the first formal lecture or discourse in the Gaelic tongue ever heard in Iowa, and also, in all probablility, the last which will ever again be heard in our midst.  The second will be “Ireland’s past glories and future hopes” in English by Rev. Father Toomey, of St. Raphael’s Cathedral, Dubuque.  This subject alone would be sufficiently magnetic to those who claim kinship with Ireland’s great ones of the past but being touched with the talisman of a lecturer and orator of Father Toomey’s repute, it will doubtless attract an audience which will tax the capacity and accomodation of St. Patrick’s.

The Clinton Daily Herald Monday April 10, 1905 p. 8 posted with permission  CONTRACT IS LET FOR NEW CHURCH Work on St. Patrick’s to be Begun Immediately After Easter  LaCrosse Contractor Will Construct It  St. James Hall to Be Temporary Church Home of the Congregation Pending Erection of New Edifice  This morning the contract for the erection of the new St. Patrick’s church was let to N.C. Bacheller of LaCrosse, whose bid was considered the most satisfactory of those presented for the wrecking of the old church and rectory, and the construction of the new buildings.  The work is to commence immediately after Easter, April 23d, until which time the old church will be used.  The final services will be held in the church on Easter Sunday.  The rectory is to be removed to the vacant lot next to the school, where it will be allowed to remain until the new rectory is completed.  In the meantime it will be occupied by Father Murray.  The church and rectory are to be modern in every detail comfortable and convenient.  The church will be the first Romanesque edifice in this part of the state.  Romanesque architecture is a blending of the Roman and Gothis, and the effect is very striking and pleasing.  Pressed brick will be used in the construction of the buildings, with iron girders throughout.  The roofs will be of slate and the floors of maple and oak, the latter material to be used in the rectory flooring.  The church will be constructed with a pillared sanctuary, an organ loft, and transepts, another innovation for Clintoon, and it will have a seating capacity of 700.  Until the new church is completed Father Murray will hold services at St. James’ hall, on the church property, where masses will be celebrated on Sundays.  The new St. Patrick’s church will be completed October 1^st, it is expected.

The Clinton Daily Herald Wednesday October 25, 1905 p. 8 posted with permission 

$77 FOR HIGH ALTAR

DETROIT BANKER REMEMBERS CLINTON PASTOR WITH GENEROUS DONATION – GIFT IS MUCH APPRECIATED

Father Murray, pastor of St. Patrick’s church, was greatly pleased this week to receive a check for $700 for the erection of a high alter in the new church on Elm street.  The check was sent to him by one of his warm personal friends, E.H. Doyle, a Detroit, Mich., banker, who, though he has never lived nor even visited Clinton, takes much interest in Father Murray’s building project.  This is the second donation to the new church made by Mr. Doyle, who once before sent a check for $100 to Father Murray.  It is needless to say the generous gifts are appreciated by the pastor and congregation of the Elm street church.

Father Murray expresses the opinion that the new church will be ready for occupancy about the Christmas holidays.  It had been expected to have the church ready prior to that time, but there will be delay on account of the fresco work on the interior.  The church will be beautifully frescoed and decorated.

The Clinton Herald Wednesday December 20, 1905 p. 1 posted with permission  Opening of New St. Patrick’s  Beautiful Edifice to be opened on Christmas Day – Father Tooney of Dubuque speaks.

The new St. Patrick’s church is practically completed, both on the exterior and interior, and will be opened on Christmas day.  A high mass will be celebrated at 5 o’clock in the morning, in accordance with the custom at the church, and there will be two other masses in the morning, a low celebration at 8 o’clock, and a solemn high mass at 10.  Rev. J.J. Toomey, director of St. Raphael’s cathedral, Dubuque, will deliver the sermon.  Special music will be rendered, under the direction of Professor W.A. McArthur.  In the evening a sacred concert will be given in the new church, at which a splendid program will be given.  There will be charges for admission to the church, and the public is cordially invited by Father Murray, pastor of the church, to attend the services, to which non-Catholics will be as welcome as Catholics.  The public is invited to attend and see the prettiest church in the middle west.

The Clinton Herald Thursday December 21, 1905 p. 3 posted with permission 

Late addition to sacred edifices

New St. Patrick’s church of Clinton modern and beautiful building in every detail

Seating capacity is 700 building is 124x66 feet

Architecture is Graceful and Proportions Perfect

-          The Ornamentation – Brief Description of New Church on Elm Street

As the Herald stated yesterday the new St. Patrick’s church is now completed, and will be opened to the public on Christmas morning, when three masses will be celebrated, at 5 8 and 10 o’clock, respectively. 

The latest addition to the sacred edifices of Clinton is 124 feet long, 66 feet, wide and 40 feet high, and has a seating capacity of 700.  The basement is built of sawed Bedford rock, the water table and trim portage entry red sandstone, and the superstructure Gladbrook red pressed brick.  The roof and towers are of the unfading black Bangor slate; and the two graceful domes are roofed with copper, surmounted by gold leaf crosses, 110 and 86 feet, respectively, above the street.

The winter chapel (26x20 feet), and the sacristy (20x10 feet) are connected by a 8 foot rear corridor which runs at the rear of the high altar, and are so arranged that they can be heated from the rectory hard by.

The interior of the church impresses the visitor with its graceful and varied lines of architecture; and the pleasing and perfect proportions of the whole.  The arched ceiling is sustained by tall pillars that support massive capitals; and from the capitals spread out, in gentle curves and symmetrical arches, ribs that the decorator has accentuated with splendid success.

Immediately within the three great doors that stand upon the broad platform along the facade, there is an ample vestibule that runs through graceful arches to the baptistery on the east side; and to the main tower on the west.  Above the vestibule and extending out to a semi-circular balustrade beyond the interior wall, is the organ loft, lighted up by a beautiful opalescent rose window.  The apse is a perfect octagon, retreating from the nave with a noble Roman arch 34 feet high, 28 feet wide and 26 feet deep.  Sixteen feet from the north wall of the nave, there is a transcript which gives an indescribably beauty and variety to the interior. 

The windows of the new church are a triumph of the artist’s skill.  They cost $2,000 and are the donation of the parish and its friends, as memorials to their dead.  The windows are a succinct but faithful history of Jesus Christ.  The first window shows Melchizadeck, the high priest of Salem, offering sacrifice with bread and wine, as the clearest type of the Redeemer in the old Testament.  The second window shows the Annunciation; the third, (a three panel rose window in the east transept), the Nativity, The fourth the presentation in the temple, when Jesus was 8 days old.  The fifth, Christ’s first miracle at the age of 30, changing water into wine, in Cana; the seventh, Our Lord instituting the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper; the eighth, the crucifixion on Calvary.  This is also a three-panel rose window, in the west transept; the ninth, the Resurrection on Easter morning; and the tenth and last, St. Peter feeding lambs and sheep, with outlines of a Christian church in the background.  This final window in the group, represents the mission of the church and is the only one that has not our Lord in it either in person or symbol.  “For Christ said, “A little while and now you shall not see me.”

Besides these figured windows there are several other art windows in the nave, towers vestibules and chapels.  These are all in keeping with the figured windows above, and are finished in color schemes of varicolored opalescent glass, relieved with well-known Catholic emblems.

The whole church is artistically frescoed by our local artist, W.G. Andrews.  The ceilings are cream and gold; the walls green and gold; and the pillars and pilasters ivory.

Among the mural painting three deserve special mention.  The first is a large life size painting of the Immaculate Conception from Murillo.  This has a marked prominence, on the Roman arch that spans the apse.  The other two are on each side of the transepts.  On the east is the introduction of Christianity into America.  This shows, on a panel 16x10 feet, Columbus and his fellow missionaries and mariners, with the three caravels, on one side, and the tropical coast of San Salvador with many lurking curious Indians on the other side.

On the west transept, is a companion picture – the introduction of Christianity into Ireland.  This shows that historic incident which occurred on Tara Hill where St. Patrick was summoned before the Ard-Ri Leoghaire to give reason why he started the paschal fire, before the Druids kindled their fire in honor of Bel. 

Both pictures show much skill and excellence.

The high altar is a thing of beauty.  It is finished in white and gold and rises above the sanctuary in a series of ascending arches to a height of 25 feet.  It is wired for electrical illumination, and when lit up, is fascinatingly gorgeous.

The communion rail also lays proud claim to prominent mention.  Its main outlines are Romanesque and has a series of arches, of hand-carved wood that are sustained by onyx pillars.  A slab of immaculate white marble, 8 inches wide and 2 inches deep, runs along the top.  The rail is 30 feet long, has a 6 foot double gate in the middle, and two massive posts for angels, in the ends.

At the main door, as you enter, are two Italian marble holy water fonts, 39 inches high.  These stand at the rear pews.

The pews are antique oak and have curved seats and backs with nicely carved Romanesque ends.

The church is heated by steam, and the system is a new one, known as the Shurtleff vacuum heating system of Rock Island, Ill.

The lighting of the church is by electricity.  There is no chandelier or bracket in the building. But the whole church is lighted from a series of 16 candle power electric lamps that dot the longitudinal and transverse arches of the ceiling.  When these lights are turned on, and the worshipper gazes on the ceiling above, he feels almost enchanted, and fancies he is gazing on a starry firmament, where a myriad stars fret and palpitate away.

The architects of the building were Shick & Roth of La Crosse, Wis.  The contractor was N.C. Bacheller of the same city.  The pews and the altar and communion rail were furnished by the Dubuque Altar Co.

The new church is the culmination of 16 years of untiring effort on the part of Father Murray, who on Thanksgiving, 1889, started St. Patrick’s parish.  His parishioners are justly proud of their leader; and the community at large devoutly congratulates both him and them, on the splendid improvements they have added to the city.

The Clinton Herald Thursday December 21, 1905 p. 8 posted with permission

NO CHARGES TO SAINT PATRICK’S

CHRISTMAS DEDICATORY SERVICES IN THE NEW EDIFICE WILL BE FREE AND THE PUBLIC IS INVITED

Verily the newspaper man has troubles of his own, as well as other people; a few more than most people in fact.  A word added here or dropped there from his “copy” is sometimes a powerful agent to contort his meaning and put an aspect on an article entirely at variance with his original idea.  A forcible illustration of this fact is found in the following paragraph which appeared in The Herald Wednesday in connection with the announcement of the opening of St. Patrick’s church on Christmas day’

“There will be charges for admission to the church, and the public is cordially invited by Father Murray, pastor of the church, to attend the services.”

Of course the paragraph should have read; “There will be no charges for admission to the church,” but that little word of two letters, which has the reputation of being one of the two giants of this life for good or evil, was omitted by accident, and the public was misled by a reversal of the idea which the article had been intended to convey.

The Clinton Herald Tuesday December 26, 1905 p. 3 posted with permission

CHRISTMAS AT SAINT PATRICK’S

HANDSOME NEW CHURCH ON ELM STREET OPENED WITH APPROPRIATE CEREMONY ON DAY OF THE NATIVITY

LARGE CONGREGATIONS ATTEND MORNING AND EVENING SERVICES

REV. J.M. TOOMEY OF DUBUQUE DELIVERS SERMON AT THE SACRED CONCERT IN THE NEW CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS EVENING

The new St. Patrick’s church was formally opened on Christmas morning, when three masses were celebrated.  The first mass commenced at 5 o’clock, at which hour a large congregation assembled in the handsome new church on Elm street.  The altars were beautifully decorated with flowers and candles and their beauty was shown to advantage when the hundreds of candles were illuminated, the effect having been most pleasing to the eye.  A low mass was celebrated at 8 o’clock and at 10 a solemn high ceremony began, with Rev. J.A. Murray, pastor of the church as celebrant, Father Sullivan deacon, and Father Kissane master of ceremonies.  The sermon was preached by Father Kissane, whose subject was thoughts on the Christmas time, and whose discourse was a most eloquent one. 

At night every seat in the auditorium was taken when Rev. J.J. Toomey, director of St. Rachel’s cathedral, Dubuque, delivered an eloquent sermon.  Father Toomey drew lessons from the lives of Lazarus and the rich man, and applied them to our every day life.  His sermon was most impressive.  It was followed by the administration of the papal blessing by Father Murray, and by benediction of the blessed sacrament.  A special choir rendered music, and the altar was beautifully decorated.

The Herald takes pleasure in presenting today a cut of the little old building which served as the church home of the people of St. Patrick’s until it was razed to the ground a few months ago to give space to the noble edifice which stands in this place; also of the pastor of the church, Rev. J.A. Murray, whose energies since his coming to Clinton sixteen years ago have been directed to the accomplishment of the work which the year 1905 brought about for the people of his congregation; and lastly, of the fine new church which was opened yesterday, and which has been described in these columns.  It was indeed a very merry Christmas for the people of Saint Patrick’s parish.

The following guests were in attendance:

Father Toomey, Dubuque.

Father Comerford, Lyons.

Father Maloney, Fulton.

Father Eardley, Sabula.

Father Nelson, DeWitt.

Father Riordan, Grand Mound.

Father Keasone, Mercy hospital.

Father Tritz, Lyons.

Father Sullivan, Mount St. Clare.

Father Flynn, St. Mary’s.

(With renderings of the old church and the new church, rectory and pastor.)

The Clinton Herald Monday March 18, 1935 p. 5  Dedication of the new organ, recently in St. Patrick’s church, was held Sunday when the Most Rev. Henry P. Rohlman, bishop of Davenport, celebrated a pontifical high mass at 10:30 o’clock that morning.  Because of the illness of the Rt. Rev. W.P. Shannahan, of Davenport, the dedicatory sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Fenton, dean of the school of philosophy of St. Ambrose college, Davenport.  He spoke on “St. Patrick and His influence on Christianization of the World.”  Officers of the mass were: Celebrant – Bishop Rohlman.  Arch-priest – The Rev. James Dunnion, Mercy hospital.  Deacon – The Rev. W.P. Cullinan, Oskaloosa.  Sub-deacon – The Rev. Carl Clems, St. Mary’s parish.  Deacons of honor – The Rev. Edward Jackson, St. Irenaeus; the Rev. J.A. Clenn, Burlington.  Master of Ceremonies – The Rev. Leo Sterck, Davenport.  Priests in the sanctuary included the Rt. Rev. T.F. Galligan, V.F. St. Mary’s church; the Rev. R.P. Maher, chaplain of Mt. St. Clare college; the Rev. R.F. Trageser, Sacred Heart church and the Rev. H.F. Finefield, pastor of St. Patrick’s.  At the close of the service Bishop Rohlman spoke briefly and congratulated St. Patrick’s parish upon its new organ and expressed gratitude to its donors for their gift to the church.  He stressed the religious character of the memorial to the late Mr. and Mrs. M.J. Clarke and contrasted it to more material memorials.  At 5 o’clock members of the parish gathered in St. James hall for a covered dish supper which was largely attended.  In the evening a recital on the new organ was given with Erwin Swindell, of Davenport, as the artist.  The senior and junior choirs of the church assisted in the program and solos were sung by Mrs. Eileen Golden Mallary.  The Rev. Father Glenn, former pastor of the church, gave an interesting talk on the history of church music.  The evening service closed with solemn benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with Father Cullinan as celebrant.  The Rev. Robert Ormsby, of Preston, was deacon and Father Trageser was sub-deacon.  All the services were largely attended. (With photos and captions for Bishop Rohlman and Father Finefield)

The Clinton Morning News Thursday December 30, 1886 p. 2 Dedication  Last night, the social event of the season – the Wapsipinicon reception, dedicating their new apartments in the Lamb block – was celebrated, and it was crowned with all the success that was anticipated.  On this ocasion, for the first time, the Lamb block echoed to the sound of happy voices, gathered together for social enjoyment, and, the club rooms, of this popular society organization, were graced by the wealth, culture and beauty of Clinton, reenforced by many from abroad.

It was  a genuine surprise, to those who had not before, inspected the apartments of the club, to behold the perfect combination of beauty and convenience that tehy presented.  The gentelmen of luxurious tastes, who concieved, arranged and successfully carried out the details of furnishing, decorating and draping the various rooms, can not be too highly comlimented, as, without sacrificing comfort or convenience to beauty and artistic effect, they secured a happy blending of all, and, by their efforts, enable the Wapsipinicons to boast of having the most attractive and well arranged suit of rooms of any social organization in the state.  Entering the rooms from the east, the visitor is received into a cosy reception room.  At the right, or to the north, is the card room, from which access is had to the gentlemen’s coat and toilet room.  Further on, to the north of the card room, are the elegant double parlors, devoted to the use of the ladies; and connected with these, is the ladies’ dressing room.  At the left of the reception room, or to the south, the reading room is located, and east of this is the billiard room.  The several apartments communicate by means of Queen Ann arches, hung with Portieresin elegant design, the window draperies, the wall and ceiling decorations and the carpets being in harmonizing colors.  The furniture throughout is of unique and artistic design, and is well calculated to give the place an air of elegance ease and comfort.  Among the many beautiful furnishings that attract special attention, we noticed a fine Ansonia clock, a gift to the club from the popular jewelry house of Howes’ Brothers; also a beautiful chromolithograph, representing a cour scene during the time of Louis XV of France.  This work of art was presented by Mr. S..W. Gardner of Lyons and received much well merited praise.  Miss Gerturde W. Hart, presented the club with a lovely Satin hand-painted panel which gave additional beauty to the mantle upon which it rested, and a beautiful boquet and holder, the gift of Mrs. Chancy Lamb, was a conspicuous ornament, that was greatly admired.  Members and guests began to arrive soon after 9 o’clock, and by 10:30, the rooms were well filled and every one seemed bent on enjoyment.

The Reception Committee, Maj. And Mrs. E.S. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Alden and Mr. and Mrs. L. Lamb, assisted by many members of the club, exterted themselves to make the event a truly special one, and, that they succeeded no one will deny.

The billiard room, furnished enjooyment to those of a scientific turn, while those who take pleasure in “triping the light fantastic toe,” had ample opportunities for gratifying themselves, in the grand dancing hall, that is a part of the clubs apartments.  Their model room, for terpischorian amusements, it 54x65 feet; and, judging from the many who visited it last evening, it was fully appreciated.  The Union Orchestra, under the skillful leadership of Mr. Charles Rehwoldt, furnished the music for the occasion.

Among the guests from abroad were;

Mrs. H.C. Boardman, Nevada, Iowa.

Mr. McCoy, Morrison, Illinois.

Mr. Ward Cook, Chicago.

Mr. W. McLeland, Davenport.

Miss Taylor, Moline.

Mr. M. Eaton, Warsaw, Wis.

Mr. James McCullouogh, Chicago.

Mr. C.H. Wise, Lowerville, Ia.

Mr. F.H. Haywood, Providence, R.I.

Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Hancock and Miss Hancock, Dubuque.

Mr. Chars. And Miss Mary Haas, Council Bluffs.

Mr. Hart, New Bedford, Con.

Mr. Flourney, Sioux City.

Mr.John Cady, Moline.

Mr. Howard, Chicago.

Messrs. Viele, Minneapolis and Moline.

Mrs. Chas. Deer and daughters, Moline.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Scott, Chicago.

Miss Taylor, Lafayette, Ind.

Mr. and Mrs. Hass, Council Bluffs.

The Clinton Age Friday December 31 1886 p 1 The ninth annual reception of the Wapsipinicon club

The Lyons Weekly Mirror Saturday December 18, 1886  p. 4 Lamb Block  The two upper floors of the new Lamb Block, Clinton, are nearly completed, and will be occupied the first of January.  The second floor has been leased to the Wapsie Club, and will afford them elegant quarters.  The apartments comprise rooms for reading, billiards, smoking, ladies’ sitting and retiring rooms and afine dancing hall, all beautifully finished, and so arranged that several of the rooms can be opened to form a grand apartment for social gatherings, for which the Club has become famous.  They will give their first receptions in the new apartments on the 29^th of this month. 

The third floor of the building will be used by the various bodies of the Masonic fraternity.  One hall, with the necessary ante-rooms, will be the home of the Blue Lodges, while the adjoining is a magnificant apartment for the use of the Chapter and Commander with armory, banquet hall and complete kitchen arrangements conveniently adjoining.

The building is pleasantly and centrally located and will be thouroughly enjoyed by its occupants.

The Clinton Weekly News Friday November 26, 1886 p. 7  The building season now drawing to a close in this city, has been remarkable for the improvements inagurated and being completed.  There has been a great number of good substantial residences built in all parts of the town and in business blocks, the season of 1886 will compare favorably with any in the history of the city.  The crowning effort among the latter is the Lamb block, corner of Fifth avenue and Thrid street, which is now rapidly approaching completion, and iwll be ready for occupancy by the first of the new year.  The block is one that every Clintonian may well be proud of Mr. Chancy Lamb, who with his sons have done more to architecturally beautify the city than any family within her borders.  Their palatiol residences inspired others to emulate the worthy examples in building elegant homes, and as a result Clinton can now boast of houses not surpassed by any city of like size in the state.

The construction of the magnificent block that inspires this article was commenced about the middle of September, and the rapidity with which the work has been carried on is creditable alike to its owner and the many bosses who had charge of the different parts of the work.  The block is one hundred feet front by one hundred and ten feed deep, three stories high with slate roof and galvanized iron cornice, and has that substantial appearance that characterize all similar work caused to be done by Mr. Lamb in mills, residences, business blocks, or on steamboats that have been erected or built here, and contributed so much to the benefit and development of our city.

Mr. J.L. Rice was the architect of the building and Mr. W.E. Young, superintended the work of construction, and for a young man claiming no practical knowledge in duties of this character, has demonstrated a fitness for the responsible position assigned him, that has surprised his friends and reflects credit on the manner in which he performed his onerous duties.  Mr. Wm. Black, the well-known carpenter and builder, had charge of the wood work.  The old substantial pioneer brick mason of the city, J.B. Johnson, superintended this part of the work, and anohter veteran in his trade, one one of Clinton’s most reliabel and best citizens, Mr. Thomas Shafto, overlooked the work of plastering throughout the entire structure.  Thomas Purcell, another pioneer of the city, did the excavating and oversaw the stone work, and Geo. Kendall & Co. has charge of the plumbing and gas fitting.  George H. Parker, of Lyons, did the cornice work, and putting the slate on the roof.   C.E. Armstorng & Co. did the tin work.  It would be superflous to sat that each and all of the parties name performed their several parts of the work assigned them in a very satisfactory and expeditious manner, and in after years, when the splendid structure is looked upon as one of the many monuments to the enterprise of Mr. Chancy Lamb in Clinton the can point to it with pride and say “I helped put up that block that rounds out the business buildings on Fifth avenue in such a splendid manner.”

On the ground floor of the block is a double store room 110x48,  and two other rooms each 110x24, that are not surpassed by any store rooms in the city.  The second floor of the building, with the exception of two rooms for offices, will be occupied entirely by the Wapsiepinnicon Boat Club and will furnish quarters for the club not excelled by those of any social organization in the Hawkeye State.  Every room is specially built for the purpose that it will be used, and the combination of them so conveniently and pleasantly arranged will make a most attractive suite that connot fail to give eminent satisfaction and pleasure to those who occupy them.  There is a fine large reading room in the southwest corner, the finest in the city, with fire place, mantle and double plate glass windows.  East of it is the billiard room, reached through a large double door.  North you enter through a similar aperature the reception room and continue to the smoking room, card room, ladies’ parlor, gents’ and ladies’ toilet rooms, and last but not least the large and spacious dance hall, which is 65x48, ad will have a floor laid with the beautiful Southern yellow pine that is famous for finishing lumber whereever used.  The several rooms will, or course, be elegantly furnished and decorated in such manner as will harmonize with the opportunities presented, and when done will furnish a home for the Wapsies that they need not be ashaimed to invite their friends from any clime.  The halls on this floor are wide, as is the stairway; in fact nothing has been left undone in its arrangement that would add to completeness.

Surmounting the luxurious rooms spoken of and reaching the third floor, which is to be occupied entire by the Masonic fraternity of the city, we find the crowning efforts of the work in the whole structure, and quarters so handsome, convenient and appropriate for the several bodies  that cannot fail to infuse new life and enthusiasm into the organizations that alone will compensate for the change to be made.  A nine-foot stairway leads up to the third floor, where you enter the large Masonic reception room, with plate glass windows, sixteen-foot ceilings, fire place and a toilet room adjacent.  Adjoining this is the Tyler’s room, and from the latter you enter the Blue Lodge hall, the dimensions of which are 54x30, sixteen-foot ceilings, five singel windows and three double, the latter of plate glass.  This room is to be frescoed and otherwise elaborately decorated and furnished, making it a Blue Lodge room that will reflect credit on the brethren of the mystic tie in this city.  Passing through a short hallway we enter the Knights Templar Asylum, which when completed and furnished will be grand.  It is 65x38, with twenty-foot ceiling, a stage in west and 14x38, a dome running to roof of building from center of room that is to be finished in colored glass.  Aside from this is a banquet hall 22x48. Am ar,pru 44x19, a beautiful parlor for ladies, with toilet room adjoining, a kitchen and pantry and at the rear of building a private stariway for entrance and exit to this temple that is arranged and to be used exclusively for the Masons.  The finishing and furnishing of these halls and rooms is now occupying the attention of gentlemen belonging to the order, who will spare neither pains nor expense in doing it in a manner that will harmonize with the surrounding and reflect credit on the bodies that will occupy them, and no one who knows the characteristics of the order in this direction will doubt for a moment but that the work will be well done.

The entire building will be heated with steam.  Geo. Kendall & Co. are now putting in thirty eight radiators for that purpose.  It will be supplied with water and lighted with gas; in fact every modern improvement will be placed therein to make the structure as comlete as possible.  The plastering and plumbing are about done, water pipes are being put in, and yesterday Superintendent Young was causing the debris to be removed preparatory to laying a wide plank sidewalk in front of the block.  The trees along the avenue have been trimmed up and on the advent of the new year wat was a vacent lot last spring will be finished one of the finest business block in the city, bearing the name “Lamb’s Block, 1886,” in bold letters on its prominant and attractive front.

The Clinton Morning News Sunday December 19, 1886 p. 2  It is always a pleasure for a newspaper to bring into public notice anything that tends to show to the outside world the confidence the citizens have in the future destiny of their own city.  Citizens who have watched the onward marchof a city, as it were, from its infancy, do more to impress strangers with its greatness by investing their money in business of buildings than most people realize.  The Lamb block, a magnificent monument, proclaiming that Chancy Lamb believes the future of Clinton to be firmly fixed among the great cities of the Mississippi Valley, is a fitting example; but, standing with him, side by side, is Somon Schoecraft, who, with his 20,000 dollar companion building, commenced at the same time, and built after the same style of architecture, is another citizen worthy of public commedation.  This building, built under the watchful supervision of Mr. Joseph Adler, who has had full charge of every detail, is a credit to his ability as a manager, and Mr. Shoecraft can congratulate himself on having the best and most substantially built structure in Clinton, if not in the state.

The walls of brick, resting upono massive stone foundations, tower up three stories iin height, and are surmounted by a truss roof covered with slate, the cornice being of galvanized iron in tasty design.  But, it the exterior of the building is attractive, the interior will be more so, as it is being expressly fitted for the hardware trade, having been rented by C.E. Armstrong & Co. for that purpose for a period of years.  The frontage of the building being double, it give on each of its three floors, a large and commodious store room 50x100 feet.  On the first floor will be the retail department and general business office.  This floor is being finished in oak with drawers and shelving from floor to ceiling,a nd in connection with the office a vault has been constructed that will render the firm’s books, papers and money secure from fire as well as thieves.

On the second floor will be a part of the wholesale goods, the buyers’ office, a large and convenient tin shop also toilet rooms and wash basin, constructed upon the latest and most improved plans.  The third floor will be devoted entirely to wholesale goods.

All floors, in addition to the windows, are lighted by a sky-light, extending from the first floor to the roof.  In addition to a stairway, each floor will have the service of a J.W. Reedy elevator, run by a water motor having a lifting capacity of 1500 pounds.  The entire building is headed by steam, and will be lighted with the electric light.  An unusual feature in this building is that no plastering has been done, but instead, the walls and ceilings have been ceiled and painted, as they will be.  The utility of the finish will be unquestioned.

Operations on the job were commenced Sept. 6^th; the brick work was finished Nov. 1^st, and as soon as the plate glass arrives for the front, the work will be rapidly pushed to a completion, and when completed, the citizens of Clinton, as well as the owner, can point with pride to this evidence of business prosperity and confidence.

Below are the names of individuals and firms who had charge of the special work indicated.

J.L Rice, architect.

Joseph Adler, superintendent and master carpenter.

Hadlow & Harding, brick work.

Thos. Purcell, stone work.

Meamer & Co., Cedar Rapids,  plumbing

Brown & Taubman, Boston, steam fitting.

click here to see Clinton Water Supply December 16, 1893 p. 11

The Clinton Herald Saturday August 31, 1889 p. 3

The Clinton Herald Thursday June 20, 1889 p. 12